SRC-AAA S.B. 525 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 525
By: Lucio
State Affairs
3-4-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the law requires permit inspector applicants to first work as
an apprentice under the supervised sponsorship of a professional licensed
inspector.  Although intended to ensure the applicant becomes educated,
this rule gives the already licensed inspector the ability to deny any
competition by virtue of the power granted by the state.  Any inspector
can exclude competition by refusing to offer sponsorship.  This bill would
allow the substitution of educational course work and an exam whenever
sponsorship for applicants is unavailable for whatever reason. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 525 sets forth license qualifications for certain
inspectors regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission and provides for
the substitution of educational work and an exam if sponsorship is
unavailable. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 23(a), Article 6573a, V.T.C.S., (The Real
Estate License Act), to redefine "apprentice inspector," "direct
supervision," and "real estate inspector." Deletes the definition of
"indirect supervision." Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 23(c)(2) and (3), Article 6573a, V.T.C.S.,  to
delete a provision that a  person may not act as an apprentice inspector
unless under the direct supervision of a real estate inspector.  Makes a
conforming change.  

SECTION 3. Amends Sections 23(d)(2) and (3), Article 6573a, V.T.C.S., to
set forth  eligibility requirements for a real estate inspector license.
Sets forth the eligibility requirements for a professional inspector
license.  Deletes a requirement that a person must meet certain
requirements and have been licensed as an apprentice inspector for at
least three months and have performed at least 25 real estate inspections
under direct supervision. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 23(f), Article 6573a, V.T.C.S., by adding
Subdivision (7) to provide that if a person's license is renewed, the
Texas Real Estate Commission is authorized to consider and act on a
complaint regarding an inspection performed by the person during the
period between the expiration of the previous license and the issuance of
the renewed license. 

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.